The maximum age to fly a plane depends on the type of flying and regulations in different countries. Here’s a breakdown:

Commercial Pilots

1. International Standards (ICAO):
   The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) mandates that pilots engaged in commercial air transport must retire from flying at 65 years old. This applies to both captains and co-pilots.
   
   

2. Country-Specific Regulations:
   
   

   • United States (FAA): The Federal Aviation Administration follows the ICAO standard, setting the retirement age for airline pilots at 65.

   • European Union (EASA): The European Aviation Safety Agency also enforces a maximum age of 65 for commercial airline pilots.

Private Pilots

There is no maximum age for private pilots as long as they maintain the required medical certification. Pilots must regularly pass medical exams to ensure they are fit to fly.

General Aviation and Recreational Flying

• In non-commercial aviation, such as recreational flying or piloting small aircraft for personal use, pilots can fly well into their 70s, 80s, or even 90s if they are medically certified.

• Some countries allow pilots with minor medical conditions to fly under relaxed medical requirements (e.g., FAA’s BasicMed program in the U.S.).

Key Factors Affecting Age Limits

1. Health and Fitness:
   Regular medical evaluations ensure pilots are physically and mentally capable of flying safely.
   
   

2. Type of License:
   Age limits vary depending on whether the pilot holds a commercial, private, or recreational license.
   
   

3. Regulatory Updates:
   Some organizations and countries periodically review and update age limits based on advances in medical science and pilot performance studies.
   
   

In summary, commercial pilots generally face a retirement age of 65, but private and recreational pilots can continue flying as long as they remain medically fit.